Making of Photos for the new web-series, The One Couture Project.

Maleah:  ‘Life Eyechart’ Pullover.  Jamaal:  ‘Trendy Propaganda’ Cardigan.  Chris:  OC Vintage Button Down.  LeeAna: ’Scwade’s Chix n’ Melon’ T.  Austin:  OC Safari Button Down

Surrealism is an artistic expression usually portrayed through art work or literature. Surrealism, is in my opinion, the hardest form of art to achieve. Surrealism is when the artist clears their mind of useless chatter writes, or creates art work with the subconscious mind. To entirely quiet the mind is for most, a seemingly impossible task. If one can still the mind, the pen or paintbrush does its own thing, creating free from exterior motives. If we could all do this, what do you suppose we would stumble upon? Would our subconscious minds produce similar foreign ideas? Could we find reason and answers to questions our trained minds ask? I believe gaining the knowledge we have within is a lot more beneficial than stories or myths we are told by others. Before recognized artwork, many cultures used hallucinogens to tap into the subconscious. Salvador Dali, a well known surrealist artist has a painting called “The Hallucinogenic Toreador.” Although he wasn’t on drugs, it is seemingly common in the surrealist realm. He was once quoted as saying ” I do not take drugs. I am drugs.” Native Americans in western America used peyote. In Greece, Europe and other parts of the world natural hallucinogens such as mushrooms have been administered since ancient times. They used these drugs to tap into the subconscious during rituals in attempts to evoke their inner spirit. It is undeniable that their wisdom and awe inspiring structures are still prominent and mysterious today. What did they know that we, as a society, have not figured out yet? Whatever the destination to the subconscious is it can answer questions to life, if you look at it as a metaphor. It allows us to see things we can’t fathom in our every day waking lives, and that’s a powerful thing.

-Melissa Petty

This photo diagrams, in German, some of the post production options available after our recent shoot in Germany.  A great deal of time goes into the actual photoshoot, but often times, just as much work goes into the touch-up process as well.

This photo diagrams where the lighting touch-ups will be made within the image.

This photoshoot was the first large-scale photoshoot I’ve ever helped organized or be a part of.  It was definitely an experience, a long ass day, and a lot of fun.  Thanks to everyone who helped organize it and be a part of it, you know who you are. 

The One Couture & Friends Campaign was created to incorporate performing arts into the One Couture brand by introducing diverse artists/musicians from across the world each week to its fans, supporters, and customers through video posts. If you like what you see, leave a comment, give us feedback, tell a friend, or PURCHASE A ONE COUTURE & FRIENDS CAMPAIGN T-SHIRT to keep great art going! A portion of the proceeds, from all shirts sold, will go to creating performing arts curriculums in North America and Europe.

In photo: (Left) Dingani Beza, Harry’s Law. (Right) Reno Wilson, Mike & Molly.

On One Couture’s trip to L.A. they went on the set of Mike & Molly and were quickly welcomed by the cast, particularly Billie (star of show) and Reno (co-star).  Reno was excited to see some of One Couture’s new collection, and was cool enough to take a photo in “The Philosophers” One Couture t-shirt. 

The Mighty Ducks Movie Was definitely a childhood classic for the One Couture team.  During our trip to Los Angeles a friend introduced us to Shaun Weiss, aka Goldberg the Goalie, and we couldn’t miss out on our favorite, and the funniest, guy on the team taking a picture in a One Couture t-shirt.  Thanks Shaun and D for making that happen!

Local Natives definitely inspire the work of One Couture by Tatum. Diversity in styles from one genre of music to the next, like Gnarls Barkley to Local Natives, is always interesting when incorporating both into a collection.

Cee-lo Green is one of the most under rated artists in the industry. This is one of the most creative and multi-talented musicians in this genre of music, or any genre of music, in the last 20 years, easily. The creativity in his music reflects the same creativity and uniqueness One Couture illustrates in its apparel – individuality. Individuality to take those many million steps outside the box. Hopefully one day soon we can see Cee-Lo in One Couture garbs.